Swedish occult rockers Ghost have made headlines once again with the announcement of their new album, SKELETÁ, set to be released on April 25, 2025, via Loma Vista Recordings. The band also launched their first single, Satanized, alongside its official music video on March 5, 2025, introducing fans to their new frontman, Papa V Perpetua, marking the next chapter of their artistic evolution.
The single Satanized dives deep with themes of demonic possession, where the narrator succumbs to dark forces and grapples with their own blasphemy. The opening lines of the song capture this struggle perfectly: "There is something inside me and they don't know if there is a cure." The hypnotic shuffle crescendos with infectious hooks and harmonies as the narrative explores the oft-turbulent relationship between the self and the darker impulses within.
Beyond the poignant soundscapes and dark lyricism, Ghost has introduced The Satanizer, an innovative interactive video experience allowing fans to upload their photos and see themselves transformed as characters within the Satanized music video. Developed in collaboration with Jason Zada of Elf Yourself fame, this feature adds a unique personal touch for fans longing to be part of the Ghost experience.
With SKELETÁ being touted as the band’s “sixth psalm,” it signifies not only new musical vistas but also introspective lyrical narratives—steering away from the outward-facing themes of previous albums like Impera and Prequelle. According to Ghost, this latest work aims to yield distinctive emotional vistas for each of its ten tracks, as if engaging in dialogue with oneself.
Curated tracks from the new album include:
- Peacefield
- Lachryma
- Satanized
- Guiding Lights
- De Profundis Borealis
- Cenotaph
- Missilia Amori
- Marks of the Evil One
- Umbra
- Excelsis
Ghost’s world tour is set to kick off on April 15, 2025, starting from Manchester, UK. This leg will traverse Europe, concluding on May 24, 2025, before the band moves across the Atlantic for their North American tour beginning on July 9, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland. The tour promises to be their most ambitious yet, with 55 dates lined up and some monumental venues such as Madison Square Garden and The O2 Arena part of the schedule.
The momentum builds as Ghost confirmed Papa V Perpetua's participation at Black Sabbath’s final concert titled Back to the Beginning, scheduled for July 5, 2025, at Villa Park, Birmingham, UK, signaling one of their most immersive live showcase events. This collaboration hints at their intention to make powerful statements both on stage and through their fresh musical offerings.
With SKELETÁ merely weeks away from its debut, anticipation continues to climb among fans and critics alike. The band's unique approach to blending theatrical personas with dynamic music has granted their performances and discography notable acclaim over the years.
Ghost's previous success, such as the critically revered Impera, complemented by innovative visual arts, including the recently released film Rite Here Rite Now, which debuted on December 6, 2024, reinforces their position as one of the leading forces in contemporary heavy music.
For those eager to secure their place among the numerous fans set to witness Ghost's electrifying performances, tickets to the 2025 tour are available now. The future looks bright for Ghost as they prepare to captivate audiences around the world with their illustrious characters and immersive rock artistry.
Papa V Perpetua's presentation reinforces the band’s commitment to character-driven performance, creating engaging narratives through music and visual media. With the launch of SKELETÁ, their artistic odyssey is bound to leave indelible footprints across the heavy metal genre.
We're excited for what’s next as Ghost charts new directions, ushering dark yet heartfelt melodies to eager listeners internationally.